Finding The Right Rooflights For Your Home

Finding the right rooflights for your home can be difficult if you are new to rooflights and skylights. So, it is vital that you are aware of all of the factors you need to think about when choosing rooflights for your property. In this blog article, we will cover how to find the right rooflights for your home, so you can work your way through all of the different aspects that will need to be in consideration. Sit back and take note of everything you need to know when purchasing rooflights for your home.

Property Restrictions

When it comes to rooflights you don’t usually require planning permission to fit them onto your roof if the work completed constitutes permitted development. However, there are factors that you will need to consider that could put your roof into the category of needing planning permission:

• If a large rooflight installation occupies a larger area of your roof, which is considered beyond a reasonable size.
• If you are located within a listed building or a designated area such as a conservation area.
• If any planning conditions such as Article 4 Direction are in place in your area, this will require an application to be submitted.

If you are unsure whether you will require planning permission, read through the government’s planning portal and contact your local authority to ensure that your project is safe to go ahead.

Before your rooflight project begins you will also need to consider any access restrictions. Some rooflights come factory glazed which are heavy so they are more difficult to handle. Whereas if access is an issue at your property, other rooflights come glazed on site, which makes them easier to handle and fit at your home.

Location of Your Home

One of the main benefits of rooflights is how they maximise the daylight entering your home. However, if you want more daylight to enter your property you will need to consider the position of your rooflights. This will depend on where your roof is facing. Properties with north-facing roofs will provide constant but cool illumination, whereas south-facing roofs will offer better potential for the most desirable winter heat. Although this is great in the winter, south-facing roofs can witness unwanted heat gain in the summer to make your property too warm. If you have a south-facing roof, solar control glass is a good option to avoid the greenhouse effect. Homes with east-facing roofs will gain maximum light and heat gain in the morning, whilst properties with west-facing roofs will provide light and heat gain in the afternoon. So, it is important that you consider the factors of where your roof is facing.

Type of Rooflight

Another important factor that is vital when finding the right rooflights for your home is the type of rooflights you are looking to install. When it comes to types, flat rooflights and roof lanterns tend to be the most popular in homes. Flat rooflights sit lower on your roof, so they cannot be seen from outside your home. These rooflights will allow more natural light to enter your property to brighten up your home. If you select those with opening properties, you will be provided with a good source of ventilation. Roof lanterns differ where they are better at gaining light from all angles compared to flat rooflights. These rooflights will make your room look larger and will also create a beautiful focal point in your property. The main difference between the two rooflight types is their appearance, however, if you are working with a smaller budget, roof lanterns will be the more cost-effective option although they do take a little longer to install.

Ventilation Requirements

As well as providing daylight to your property, rooflights are also great at providing ventilation at your property. Rooflights harness fresh air by creating wind-driven ventilation in your property. This takes place when your rooflights are combined with another opening on a different side of your home. A pressure difference is created by this and the two openings in your building allow air to circulate throughout your property, which is known as cross ventilation. Thermal comfort can also increase at night as rooflights allow warm air to radiate into the cool air in the evening. There are several methods which can allow for better ventilation. If you are looking for a more cost-effective method, you could opt for opening rooflight ventilators.

Fixed or Opening Design

Another aspect you will need to think about when it comes to choosing rooflights is whether you would like a fixed or opening design. Fixed rooflights offer maximum daylight with less framework. If you have a lower budget this could be the right option for you, as fixed rooflights provide excellent heat installation and noise reduction with low maintenance. However, if you require ventilation, closed rooflights will not offer this benefit. Opening rooflights are more expensive than their fixed counterparts, however, their ventilation benefits are exceptional for harnessing fresh air at your property. So, when considering these options, you will need to think about your budget and also ventilation requirements.

Risks on Your Roof

If there are risks of people tripping or falling onto your rooflight, you will need to opt for a non-fragile or a walk-on rooflight. These two rooflight types will allow foot traffic on the rooflight so there is no risk of your rooflight becoming damaged in the unlikely event of any accidents. Walk-on and non-fragile rooflights tend to be more expensive than regular flat rooflights, however, it is worth paying the extra amount to keep your property safe. So, if you know that there is a chance of anybody falling onto your rooflight, we highly recommend fitting either walk-on or non-fragile rooflights at your property.

Now we have covered how to find the right rooflights for your home, you know all the essential details needed for choosing rooflights. Browse all of the outstanding rooflights available here at Lonsdale Metal today to find the ideal rooflight for your property. If you require further information on our rooflights or skylights, get in touch with us to speak to one of our experts.